2025 Year in Review: A Year in Creativity, Community & Gratitude
As 2025 came to a close, I took a few moments to look back — not just at events on a calendar, but at the people, places, and moments that made the year what it was. What began quietly grew into something full of color, connection, and community, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Highlights from the Year
The year kicked off with pet portrait painting in January, followed by a painting and flash tattoo fundraiser in February. In March, we tried something brand new with our first blind contour Paint Your Partner session, leaning into play, curiosity, and connection.
Over the summer, I had the joy of teaching STEM art projects to 300 campers, watching creativity spark and confidence grow in so many young artists. In August, I took a leap and went live on TikTok with paint-along sessions, connecting with painters beyond Tucson and discovering new ways to make art accessible.
This year also brought the launch of a brand-new website, along with an unforgettable day of three back-to-back paint parties for 75 kids — a joyful, exhausting, heart-full marathon I won’t soon forget.
In October, I launched Soulshine Creative Collective and introduced art kits, expanding how and where creativity could happen. November marked a deeply meaningful moment with my first community Pay-What-You-Can paint session at Tohono Chul during their Día de los Muertos festival.
And December felt especially magical — offering three PWYC Sundays for the community at Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights Festival, along with a Zoom paint session connecting 16 participants across the United States and one in Canada. A reminder that art truly has no borders.
And that’s just the highlights. In between were private parties and public sessions, collaborations and experiments, learning curves, growth, meaningful conversations, and so much love.
What This Work Has Made Possible
Beyond the events and milestones, this work has given me something I value deeply: time — and a sense of meaning.
Building TJ’s Paint Parties full time has allowed me to focus on the well-being of our family, spend present, meaningful time with my kids, and welcome a new grandson into the world. With two more grandbabies arriving in the coming months, that sense of presence feels especially precious.
This year also brought a move into a new home — one with space to create, focus, and work efficiently in a dedicated art room. Having a place that supports creativity and intention has been quietly transformative.
When I first began working on TJ’s Paint Parties full time, before moving out to Arizona, life felt rushed and heavy. So much energy went toward simply trying to make ends meet, and the constant pressure left little room to breathe. Today, this work feels different. There’s a deeper focus on purpose and intention — and the freedom to savor and share the joy that naturally comes from this commitment.
Thank You
Thank you to every painter, parent, camper, venue, collaborator, and supporter who showed up this year. Whether you painted once or many times, shared a post, booked a party, or simply sent encouragement — you are part of this story. This isn’t just a small business; it’s a journey we’re creating together.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, this new year is already shaping up in exciting ways. We’re starting with a new home base for private and public events at Calvary Chapel Midtown’s community space, along with more art kits, more collaborations, and more opportunities to make creativity accessible.
Have an idea? Let’s make it happen.
As we step into the new year, I’m wishing you gratitude for what you already have, the ability to slow down and be present, and eyes open to the quiet miracles unfolding all around you.
Your only limit is the one you believe in.